Brad Schneider

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in strong support of H.R. 1992, the Israel Qualitative Military Edge Enhancement Act. I want to thank the chairman and the ranking member for working so diligently with my office, and I want to thank Congressman Doug Collins for bringing this important legislation before the House floor. I want to personally thank my friend and colleague Mr. Collins for all of the work he has done and that we have done together to make sure this bill becomes a reality. Israel stands at an historic juncture. In a very dangerous neighborhood, Israel must have the capabilities to deal with a broad spectrum of potential conventional and asymmetric threats. With the United States negotiating with Iran over its nuclear weapons program, it is vitally important that we continue to give Israel all of the tools necessary to address a growing list of threats. That is why Representative Collins and I have introduced this important and timely bill--to help further safeguard the technological edge Israel has in defending herself and in safeguarding human life for all of her citizens. This bill expands upon existing requirements that the United States aid Israel in developing defense-capable systems for safeguarding the Israeli homeland against conventional and asymmetrical threats. Previously, this cooperation has resulted in the highly successful Iron Dome system along with the continued development of the Arrow and the David's Sling series of military hardware. Despite this capability, Israel now faces the threat of regional insecurity with a virtual failed state on its border with Syria, hundreds of thousands of rockets and mortars being stockpiled by Hezbollah in Lebanon, ongoing rocket fire from Hamas on the Gaza Strip, increasing terrorist activity in the Sinai, and, most importantly, the continued existential threat of Iran and its accelerating nuclear program. The U.S. can and must do more to aid Israel in addressing all of these threats in a comprehensive way. The bill before us would specifically encourage greater cooperation between Israel and the United States in developing new weapons, tactics and procedures that will safeguard them from the growing threats Of cyber warfare and asymmetrical military threats such as terrorist activity. Increased reporting and coordination will allow the United States and Israel to continue their mutually beneficial research and intelligence programs to create a more secure and prosperous region-- one that can safeguard human life to the maximum extent possible. By increasing the frequency of assessment from 4 years to 2, the Israel Qualitative Military Edge Enhancement Act will help ensure Israel is always prepared to confront constantly evolving conventional and asymmetrical threats. I again want to thank the chairman and ranking member for their support of this legislation. I also want to thank the other cosponsors of this bill, including Representative Collins, for their hard work to hone this bill over the last few months. I would especially like to thank Vernon Robinson, Jr., who worked so diligently with my staff to shepherd this bill to the House floor today. I strongly ask my colleagues to join me in support of this important bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, having no further requests for time, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Kennedy), my friend and colleague and a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Twin Groves Middle School in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, in the district I represent. This outstanding educational institution has been recognized as one of only 286 Blue Ribbon schools in the entire country. This is the second National Blue Ribbon distinction that Twin Groves has earned, one of 21 awarded in the state, one of only three awarded to Illinois middle schools and one of four awarded to schools in Illinois's Tenth District. Good education is the foundation of any community, and it is essential to our success in the 21st Century. In Buffalo Grove, you will find some of the nation's finest schools, filled with eager and curious students and passionate and engaging teachers. In Illinois's Tenth District, our communities are strong, in part, because of excellent educational institutions like Twin Groves. With schools like Twin Groves, Tenth District students are building foundations for success in this ever-changing, competitive 21st Century. The education Twin Groves Middle School students receive not only helps position them for future success, but also prepares them for the rigors of one of the area's top high schools, Stevenson High. Mr. Speaker, I am so pleased to honor Twin Groves Middle School here today, and I am so proud to have such excellent schools in the Tenth District. I congratulate Twin Groves once again on receiving this distinguished award.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. As we wrap up, let me just again express my sincerest gratitude for allowing me to participate this evening with you to talk about really two critically important issues: our unbreakable, special relationship with the free, independent Jewish state of Israel, and our necessary commitment to ensure that Iran never, ever is allowed to get a nuclear weapon capability. These two things come together at this moment in a crucial way. I am reminded, as we close, of a famous saying by a rabbi and ancient scholar. Because, as you touched on, the United States and Israel share more than just a security arrangement. They share more than technology, even though a lot of the companies you mentioned--Apple, Intel, and Google--have more research dollars invested in Israel than any other country outside the United States. Both countries, I am proud to say--the United States and Israel--have a sense of an obligation to give back to the rest of the world, to lean in to make a difference in peoples' lives. You have talked about Haiti. One of the stories I have always loved is that one of the first relief ships to make it to Haiti was an Israel field hospital. There is a story about a woman who was giving birth shortly after the earthquake. She named her child Israel in honor of the doctors who flew in from Tel Aviv immediately after the earthquake--because they understand the need for emergency care and emergency times. But they were joined there by efforts of our own soldiers, United States soldiers, who understood in our own hemisphere and also around the world the need to give help, to lend a hand, when people are in need. We saw the same thing in the Philippines after the tragic typhoon. We saw American ships coming from nearby, and we saw Israelis and Americans coming from far away. Those are the types of things that unite us. As Rabbi Hillel said: If I am not for myself, who will be? But if I am only for myself, what am I? The third line of his saying, I think, is crucial at this moment as we look to Iran: If not now, when? We need to make sure that the United States, that the P5+1 and that our regional allies can come together and guarantee that Iran does not become a nuclear-capable country. We need to make sure that the regional security is maintained and that the nuclear weapon is prevented. That is our role, and that is how history will judge us. That is why we are here talking tonight. So, again, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I thank you for the work we have done together. It is a privilege to work with you, and I look forward to working together on other issues, including this.

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Thank you. It is an honor to be here with you to join you in this discussion. The world has watched anxiously as the P5+1 had a series of negotiations that culminated 2 weeks ago in an interim agreement. As we join here tonight to talk about some of the issues in this agreement, what we will be looking for is to ensure that whatever happens, Iran is not allowed to achieve nuclear capability, and that our allies in the region, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, and others, are protected from the prospect of a nuclear Iran. I yield back.

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Thank you. I want to again thank Representative Collins for holding this important conversation tonight to talk about the dangers and long-term implications of a nuclear deal with Iran. I think it is both timely and necessary that Congress continue this conversation and push hard to convince the Senate that further action is required to help prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Personally, I remain most skeptical that the Iranian regime has the ability or willingness to live up to the tenets and the terms of the Geneva agreement reached with the P5+1. We have worked diligently over the years, over a decade, to maintain a robust sanctions regime that brought Iran to the negotiating table, but it was not to come to the table that the sanctions were put in place. These sanctions were put in place to ensure or achieve the end of Iran's nuclear program; to ensure that Iran is not a nuclear-capable country. In July, as was mentioned, this body passed, by a vote of 400-20, the most sweeping sanctions to date in order to address the ongoing threat of a nuclear Iran. That legislation must be taken up in the Senate to hold Iran accountable, to ensure that Iran fully understands the implications of not completing a deal in 6 months that will eliminate its nuclear threat. However, there are several points about the deal reached with Iran that are particularly worrisome. First, this interim agreement cannot be allowed to become the permanent agreement. The so-called joint plan of action is fraught with dangers, including allowing Iran to continue enrichment at the 5 percent level; allowing Iran to continue construction at the Iraq plutonium reactor, which has no purpose other than for military uses; allowing the ongoing enhancement of Iran's technical capabilities. This agreement does not address Iran's ongoing program, its long-term activities. It doesn't require Iran to fully disclose all of its activities. This agreement does not address any covert sites which are not yet discovered or disclosed by Iran. This deal, as I said, is fraught with dangers, and our purpose in Congress and the United States and with our allies must be to try to navigate the joint plan of action to a permanent agreement that will ultimately freeze Iran's activities, roll them back, and require Iran to dismantle Natanz, Fordow, Arak and other facilities and, ultimately, and most importantly, permanently block and permanently close any path Iran has to a nuclear capability. That includes no enrichment, no plutonium reactor, full transparency, full disclosure, unlimited and unfettered inspections. With that, I will yield back to Mr. Collins.

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Thank you. I think it is critical to emphasize the bipartisan aspect of the support in Congress for a strong sanctioned regime, and the security and protection of our allies, in particular, Israel. As my colleague mentioned, in October, I, with Luke Messer, authored a letter to the President calling on him to push forward with sanctions. There were 78 members of the freshman class who signed on to that letter, Republican and Democrat, shoulder to shoulder, standing together, saying we must be strong. Again, the interim agreement cannot move to anything near what is a permanent agreement. More importantly, it cannot lead to the collapse of the sanctions regime. We have worked too hard and come too far to let that happen. In my opinion, I think we need to ensure that the architecture of the sanctions are reinforced, are broadened, are deepened and hardened, so that 6 months from now, if Iran fails to live to up to its commitment and the consequences are sufficiently severe, Iran understands that the likelihood of further action, all actions on the table, including a credible military threat, remain, so that ultimately Iran understands this is the moment, this is the time to abandon their nuclear aspirations. This is why the sanctions are put in place. This is why it is critical for the Senate to pass the bill we passed in July and make sure Iran understands that not adhering to the agreement, not abandoning its nuclear program, will have dire consequences in 6 months. With that, I yield back.

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Thank you again. And you hit on a crucial point. For Israel, a nuclear Iran is an existential threat. It is life and death at the front lines. But also as you touched on, Israel has no greater a friend than the United States, and that relationship is a strategic relationship for both parties. We have no better ally. Israel is the only stable democratic country in the region. Israel is reliable. Israel is our friend, and we will always remember that. I think it is also important to understand the breadth and scope of the Iranian program. You touched on that Iran is seeking to control the nuclear fuel cycle, from mining to yellowcake to enrichment to, ultimately, weapons grade. And that is a program that has spread throughout the country, from Isfahan to Natanz and Fordow and, ultimately, in the weaponization area at Parchin. The second piece is weaponization. It is one thing to control the fuel cycle; it is another thing to turn that into a nuclear weapon. Iran is working aggressively to do that, and this deal does not address their weaponization programs. And finally, once you control the fuel cycle, once you are able to have a weapon, it is delivery. And Iran, with their intercontinental ballistic missiles, ICBMs, is working to develop a capability to deliver such a weapon of mass destruction not just in this region but throughout the world. Iran, for Israel, is an existential threat. But Iran, for the region, and Iran, for the world, is as extreme a threat as it is for Israel. We must prevent a nuclear Iran not just because Israel is our ally, but because a nuclear Iran is a threat to the whole region--a threat to nuclear destabilization, a nuclear arms race among other countries in the region--and that is what we are focused on. That is why it is so critical at this moment, as Iran is months away from the capability of having a nuclear weapon, we focus aggressively on closing the pathways--freezing, reversing, dismantling, and, ultimately, permanently blocking any pathway Iran has for a nuclear weapon. With that, I yield back to my friend from Georgia.

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Thank you. As you said, the question, why do we care about Iran? It is actually a question I don't hear that often in my district because I think a lot of the people in my community understand that, when someone makes a threat to annihilate another country, you listen to the threat. When we were in Israel--37 Democratic Members traveled to Israel in August, followed by a comparable sized group of Republican Members. On our trip, we had a chance to hear from a former chief of intelligence, Amos Yadlin. And he made the statement that the only existential threat to Israel is the marriage of ideology of destruction with nuclear capability. We face that threat now. That is why we are here having this conversation. That is why, over the last decade, we have worked diligently to create the architecture of the sanctions regime that did, indeed, bring Iran to the negotiating table. This joint interim agreement keeps the sanctions regime in place. But over the next 6 months, it is our responsibility--the United States, the United States Congress, our allies--to make sure that that sanctions regime not only stays in place, but stays robust and becomes stronger so that, again, Iran understands the challenges. I have said many times that history is going to judge us with one question on Iran: Did we prevent Iran from having a nuclear weapon? This moment in history faces us at this moment in time. This agreement must not be allowed to be permanent. The United States and our allies must ensure that Iran does not further move down the path to nuclear capability. Iran is estimated to be months--at most, a year--away from a nuclear weapon. The next 6 months, if we are going to enforce this agreement, must make sure that Iran doesn't get any closer--not one moment, not 1 month, not 1 inch. This agreement has to be put in place in such a way that we can guarantee Iran is not moving forward. What do some of those actions require from us? What I hope to do in the Foreign Affairs Committee and together with my Republican colleagues is to try to create a specific understanding of the timetables for implementation. The joint agreement doesn't lay that out. I want to know: What are the milestones? What are the expectations and deliverables that Iran must arrive at at each milestone? What is the proof we are going to require of Iran to demonstrate that they have achieved the specifications of the agreement at the specified time? And most importantly, what are the consequences if Iran doesn't achieve its milestones, if Iran uses its agreement to even start or try to delay? We need to make sure we stay vigilant and we stay diligent to ensure that Iran can't move forward on its aspirations for a nuclear weapon. With that, I yield back to my colleague.

Mr. SCHNEIDER. You talk about the relationship. As you noted, Harry S. Truman was the first to recognize the new state of Israel in 1948, after the British left the mandate. Immediately upon its declaration of independence, Israel was attacked by five nations. Throughout its history, Israel has faced hostility from its neighbors throughout the region. Since 1973, the Yom Kippur War, as a 12-year-old boy I remember vividly coming out of synagogue that day, sitting in the back seat of my parents' car, listening to the radio, and not knowing if Israel was going to survive. It was an existential threat. The United States and Israel have had an unbreakable relationship that continues to be to this very day an unbreakable, critically important relationship. Right now, the relationship between the United States and Israel has never been better across a whole variety of aspects: sharing of intelligence and sharing of military expertise. The United States has helped and jointly developed with Israel David's Sling, the Arrow system, and most recently helped fund the Iron Dome, which proved to be a game-changer in Israel's war in Gaza exactly a year ago this month. In that war, you will recall, rockets rained down on southern Israel from Gaza. Yet the Iron Dome system was able to intercept virtually all of those rockets, allowing Israel to avoid having to invade Gaza by land, achieving its goals and saving countless lives on both sides of the border. It is the U.S.-Israel relationship that allows the development of such systems as Iron Dome and others. I am also proud that we were able to work together--and I thank you for your support--for the Israel Qualitative Military Edge Enhancement Act. What used to take 4 years of review, at a time when changes in military capabilities are accelerating at an unprecedented pace, this act reduces to 2 years. As you said, what used to be focused on strictly conventional weaponry, we understand that the current conflicts are taking place as much in cyberspace as airspace and ground. It is critical that Israel maintain its critical advantage, its qualitative military edge, in all aspects of that. I was particularly proud that the Foreign Affairs Committee unanimously voted that bill to come to the floor, and I hope we will take it up here shortly as well. The relationship between the United States and Israel is far more than military and security. We share values. We share understanding in science, developments of new medical technologies, medicines, and developments in agriculture. The relationship between the United States and Israel is so strong because we share so much, and we understand that even on the security level, as much as Israel relies on the United States, the United States has benefited from Israel's security measures as well. One must think no further than the Iraq war and go back to 1981, when Israel, against world condemnation, attacked the nuclear reactor at Osirak. One can only think what would have happened when the United States had its own conflict with Iraq in 1991, or 2003, if Iraq had had nuclear weapons. The U.S.-Israel relationship is critical. It has been that way for the 65 years of Israel's existence. It has been incredibly important since 1973. We wouldn't have the Camp David Accords of 1979 and the peace between Israel and Egypt if not for the U.S. engagement. We wouldn't have the peace between Israel and Jordan if not for the work of the U.S. administrations. It is critical that as we stand here fighting so hard for America's security, fighting so hard to prevent a nuclear Iran, that we understand that the mutual relationship between United States and Israel is a critical component of all of that.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the inspiring story of Erik and Edgar Garcia's plans to renovate the Round Lake Area American Legion Post 1170 in my district. Post 1170 was beginning to show its age. The walls, the floors, the chairs, the lights--serious renovation was needed. The veterans who fill its halls deserved better. Two young, enterprising brothers from Boy Scout Troop 275 decided they would lead it. With the help of Troop Leader Paul Socha, Commander Steven Hall and their fellow scouts, Erik and Edgar designed their plan and organized the support they needed. But, willing as they all were to do the work, they still needed supplies--lots of supplies. That's where the local Home Depot came in. With donated materials and gift cards, Home Depot single-handedly covered 90 percent of the total cost. More importantly when the time came to start the work, 30 Home Depot employees pitched in to help with the labor. Finally, with the supplies fully paid for and the tremendous outpouring of support from the community, Erik and Edgar's plan was not only off the ground, but soaring. Today, Post 1170 is bright and brand new. The turnaround is remarkable, though not surprising given the vision, dedication and hard work shown by Erik and Edgar and their fellow scouts. Mr. Speaker, I am immensely proud of what our community was able to do together. They rallied behind Troop 275, and the results are nothing short of remarkable. Mr. Speaker, this is an inspiring story and another example of why our communities in Illinois's Tenth District are so close and so strong.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding World War II service of Private John D. Slater, Sr. Mr. Slater was born in 1919, just a year after the close of the First World War. He grew up in a country ravaged by the Great Depression and marked by segregation and Jim Crow. Mr. Slater lived in some of the deepest parts of the South, picking cotton as early as five years old. When war broke out in Europe and reached our doorstep in the Pacific, Mr. Slater was drafted into the Army to serve and protect our country. He served in the 43rd Quartermaster Company and the 2nd Army. Mr. Slater's company crossed the Rhine River on temporary bridges during heavy shelling, facing fierce opposition at every turn. By war's end, Mr. Slater had served in France, Belgium and Holland. At one point, Mr. Slater was separated from his company behind enemy lines for three months before being found 1,000 miles from their destination point. In 1946, he was honorably discharged after four years in the Army. Today, at 94 years old, Mr. Slater is one of only three remaining African Americans who fought in the Battle of the Bulge. During this, the last-gasp effort of the German army, the allied forces bent, but held and won the day--and the war. Mr. Slater was not only a witness to a defining moment in the world's history, he helped shape it. After the war, Mr. Slater blazed his own trail, working for roughly 30 years with American Motors, starting in 1949, and opening Slater's Barbecue in Waukegan, Illinois, in the district I represent, in 1957. On weekends, for 40 years, he would cook his famous foot-longs and ribs, serving a gracious and eager community. Mr. Slater has been a devoted husband and father and a pillar of the community for decades. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize John D. Slater, Sr. for his service to our country and his impact in the community.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, as our Nation prepares for Thanksgiving, I rise to thank and honor two brothers from Boy Scout Troop 275 and the community that rallied behind them. In the suburban Chicago district I represent, the Round Lake Area American Legion Post 1170 was showing its age. It was neither fitting nor proper for the veterans who filled its halls. Renovation was needed, but money was tight in a community hard hit by our economy. One day, Edgar and Erik Garcia decided to restore Post 1170. With guidance from troop leader Paul Socha and Commander Steven Hall and help from fellow scouts, Erik and Edgar's idea neared reality. All they needed were supplies. That is where Home Depot came in. Home Depot donated supplies and gift cards. They single-handedly covered 90 percent of the renovations, but they contributed far more than simply dollars and cents. Thirty Home Depot employees helped with the labor. I am awed and inspired by Erik and Edgar's vision and determination. I am grateful for Home Depot's remarkable generosity, and I am overwhelmed by the communities' outpouring of support. Our communities in Illinois' 10th District are close and strong and great because we care about one another. As we approach Thanksgiving, if you ever doubt our greatness, you need only visit American Legion Post 1170.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Thank you for yielding. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 992 resolves a widely recognized, unintended consequence in section 716 of Dodd-Frank. I join in asking my colleagues to support this bill in an effort to strengthen Dodd-Frank and to actually improve transparency and oversight in our financial system. The overall goal of Dodd-Frank is to provide a sound, robust financial system following the upheaval of our financial markets in 2008. I support Dodd-Frank, and I am fully committed to realizing its goals, but no piece of legislation is perfect. This body has recognized that and has passed measures to correct adverse, unintended consequences that were identified after Dodd-Frank was signed into law, and that is what we are doing again here today. This bill does not undermine the intent or overall implementation of Dodd-Frank. However, section 716, as it is currently written, could impede those very efforts. By indiscriminantly pushing out routine swap trades from heavily regulated banks to separate, less regulated firms, section 716 actually inserts more risk into our system. It could also make the use of certain risk-mitigating derivatives so expensive that businesses will stop using them to hedge uncertainty, resulting in higher costs for consumers and more financial instability. Former FDIC Chairwoman Sheila Bair, former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker, and, most recently, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke have all stated that this provision, as written, is problematic. If our foremost experts have concerns with it, why must we maintain this unduly risky provision? This bill provides the soundness Dodd-Frank intended for our banking system while still prudently limiting the risks and costs. It also ensures manufacturers and our farmers still have the ability to hedge against price fluctuations--a practice that is integral to their operations and also benefits consumers. I thank the gentlemen for their work on this issue, and I urge my colleagues to support the passage of this legislation.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, this reauthorization is long overdue. There is no better way to put people back to work and stimulate our economy than to invest in our Nation's infrastructure. In my home, the 10th District of Illinois, there are $235 million in projects that are waiting to get under way. The multiplier effect that these projects will have in our communities cannot be overstated. This bill makes a number of reforms that will benefit the communities in Illinois that I represent. It will, for the first time, recognize the Great Lakes Navigation System as the single system that it is. It will ensure that a portion of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund is dedicated to small harbors like the one I represent in Waukegan. This bill is not perfect. I certainly have objections to some of the environmental streamlining provisions. That said, this bill is a great example of the progress that can be made when both sides come to the table and find common ground. I believe there is still more to be done to safeguard our environment in the underlying bill, and I look forward to working with the chairman and ranking member as this bill moves through the conference to ensure that adequate environmental protections are maintained in the final measure. I thank the gentleman and look forward to passing this bill.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Since July, this policy is estimated to have cost more than $250 million. Keep in mind that we were told this program would operate at zero cost. The reform called for by this resolution would make a modest change to U.S. sugar policy while still maintaining a safety net for U.S. sugar farmers and processors. Please join me in supporting this commonsense resolution. Express support for this reasonable reform.

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Speaker, I ask for support of my colleagues on a resolution in support of making a simple correction to the House-passed farm bill during the conference with the Senate. The 2008 farm bill overreached in limiting the USDA's ability to allow sugar imports if there is a shortage in domestic supply. This misguided policy has resulted in extreme shortages and now surpluses, adding unnecessary volatility to the marketplace and creating uncertainty for our manufacturers. Because of these policies, we have been losing food manufacturing jobs at the rate of almost 10,000 per year. We cannot afford these job losses. The district I represent in Illinois is home to a number of food manufacturers, including Jelly Belly, TruSweets Confectionery, Cornfields, Ford Gum, and Long Grove Confectionery. These companies employ hundreds of people and support hundreds of families in the 10th District. These are economic drivers of our community. In addition to costing our manufacturers and workers, this policy is costing taxpayers.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate PADS Lake County on the grand opening of its new Family Center and to recognize the incredible impact PADS has on our local community. PADS has been battling homelessness in Lake County, Illinois for more than 25 years, and in that time, they have offered a hand up and a path forward to countless individuals and families who fell on hard times. PADS' mission can be summed up simply by their guiding phrase: ``Helping the Homeless Find a Way.'' Through a broad variety of services, including those specifically for veterans, families and children, PADS Lake County not only offers temporary support and shelter, but helps guide their clients to a long- term, positive path forward. With the opening of this new Family Center, PADS will be able to reach even more people who are suffering from homelessness, particularly important just a few years removed from one of this country's most severe economic meltdowns. Just last year, PADS saw a 20 percent increase in the services it was able to offer. Those numbers translate to real families and real lives touched-- improved. Since 2009, PADS increased the number of individuals served by 96 percent. There are people who need the assistance PADS offers, and through the heroic work of its staff, the commitment of its volunteers and the generosity of its supporters, PADS can reach further than ever. This new Family Center will expand PADS' reach in the area and create a refuge for even more struggling families in the community. PADS stands for Providing Advocacy, Dignity and Shelter. Through their hard work, they have achieved these aims, and through their example, they have inspired the community. I congratulate PADS Lake County on this ribbon cutting, and I thank them, the entire community thanks them, for the work they have done and will do.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ronald D. McInroy, Director of the United Auto Workers (UAW) Region 4, on being named the Northeastern Illinois Federation of Labor's Person of the Year, and also to recognize the positive impact and advocacy of the Northeastern Illinois Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO. Director McInroy was elected in 2010 by his peers to lead UAW Region 4, which includes many of the Great Lakes and Great Plains states. He was chosen on the basis of more than 30 years of active membership and leadership in the union. From his earliest affiliation with UAW, dating back to his membership in Local 838 as a John Deere employee, Director McInroy has been a strong and effective advocate for his fellow workers and his union. Today, Director McInroy services more than 180 locals and 200 collective bargaining agreements within Region 4. The Region is committed to maintaining and strengthening the system of checks and balances that has defined our economy following the labor movement, empowering both employers and employees to create the most dynamic and productive economy the world has ever known. Through more than classic advocacy, Region 4 and Director McInroy have demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of its members and their families. Region 4 is the country's only UAW Region with a free-standing education center, which I am proud to say is in my great state of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to congratulate Director McInroy for receiving this great honor, and I would also like to recognize the entire Northeastern Illinois Federation of Labor for the outstanding and important work it does. In a democratic society, the interests and views of all people must be heard and considered. The Northeastern Illinois Federation of Labor works tirelessly to improve the lives of working families and ensure their voices are heard loud and clear. I thank the members of the Northeastern Illinois Federation of Labor for their advocacy, for their dedication, and most of all, for the good they have done on behalf of working people everywhere.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Deerfield Bannockburn Fire Protection District on its 100th anniversary and on the completion of its Firefighter Memorial. We can never fully express our gratitude for our nation's first responders and emergency personnel for the work they do and the dangers they willingly face. Our communities rely upon and look up to these brave men and women. Mr. Speaker, in my home town we are most fortunate to be under the watchful eyes and extraordinary service of the Deerfield-Bannockburn Fire Protection District. This May marked 100 years of firefighting in the Deerfield, Bannockburn and Riverwoods area. Its mission is simple: ``With pride, integrity, and professionalism the members of the Deerfield Bannockburn Fire Protection District will provide emergency response, education, and quality service to all who call upon us.'' The Deerfield Volunteer Fire Department was originally organized under the leadership of Lincoln Pettis, with a single two-wheeled, horse drawn cart. Today the Deerfield-Bannockburn FPD is a team of over 40 highly trained professionals. Each and every day, these heroes utilize the most modern techniques and technologies to provide fire protection and emergency services, as well as dealing with hazardous materials and technical and underwater rescue and recovery. This centennial gives us the opportunity to recognize the profound courage and inspiring achievements of our community's firefighters and emergency personnel. This centennial also allows for us to recognize the dedication and contributions of firefighters past. The Deerfield Bannockburn Firefighter Memorial will be opened on October 19, and it will be dedicated to former Chiefs Jack Gagne and James Quinn, who combined to lead the Fire District for more than 80 years. Their example is legendary, and their work will never be forgotten. I congratulate the Deerfield Bannockburn Fire Protection District for 100 years of brave service to our community, and I thank all past, current and future firefighters for being a part of this legacy.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate 100 years of Jelly Belly Candy Company production in North Chicago. For more than a century, Jelly Belly has been making in our Illinois Tenth District some of our favorite candies, including candy corn, mint wafers, and of course, the Jelly Belly gourmet jelly beans that are a worldwide institution and a local treasure. Since its inception in the late 19th century, the confectioner now known as Jelly Belly has remained family-owned and committed to producing the highest-quality products for its consumers. This singular dedication to excellence and customer service serves as Jelly Belly's sole business philosophy. Now for 100 years, Jelly Belly has made its home in North Chicago, enriching the community and building strong, deep roots. Extending the values of the family-owned business, Jelly Belly has maintained a continuous level of commitment to its employees and treated the community like family as well. Among the oldest Jelly Belly locations, the North Chicago plant is not only an important employer, with more than 140 staff, but it is also a community landmark and institution. We take great pride seeing millions of Jelly Belly jelly beans and other candies produced each year in North Chicago. Jelly Belly's decision to remain in North Chicago for a century speaks to the innovative and dynamic spirit of the Tenth District's business community, as well as the loyalty of the firm and its respect for its workforce. Jelly Belly has achieved remarkable success in its 100 years in North Chicago, and it has done it the right way and with integrity. I want to personally congratulate them on 100 years in the community, and I look forward to another Jelly Belly century in the Tenth District.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, the insistence of some to act irresponsibly and shut this government down is disappointing. But more importantly, it is harmful to the American people, to American businesses, and, if prolonged, to the long-term prosperity of our country. Because of this shutdown, over 800,000 government workers are furloughed and don't know when they will see their next paycheck. In my district, as but one example, 2,500 people at Naval Station Great Lakes, the Navy's only training facility, have been told not to come to work. Hardworking people around the country have been locked out of their jobs because some in Congress see fit to hold idealogy over good governance. I remind my colleagues that we were sent here to govern and act responsibly--but at this moment, Congress is doing neither. The businesses, working families, veterans, and seniors in my district and across this country cannot afford for Congress to continue this game. Let's start putting this country on a long-term, fiscally sustainable path forward, and let's do it together. I am and I always will be committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to find a solution to this crisis. Mr. Speaker, let's end this shutdown today.